Dana White’s Bold Move: Transitioning Power Slap to YouTube
Dana White, the charismatic and influential CEO of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), has once again demonstrated his willingness to bet on himself. On Monday, he announced that his slapfighting promotion, Power Slap, would be moving from the streaming platform Rumble to exclusively air events on YouTube, starting with Paige VanZant’s highly anticipated return to action on Friday. This bold decision is driven by a sponsorship deal with VeChain, a cryptocurrency firm that has reportedly committed $76 million over the next six years to serve as the title sponsor for Power Slap. According to Forbes, this figure is significantly less than the $30 million per year Power Slap was previously earning from Rumble. However, White is confident that this new arrangement, structured more like a traditional sponsorship, will eventually yield higher returns. His unwavering faith in his vision and his ability to navigate the business landscape is a testament to his long-standing success in the UFC.
The Financial Strategy Behind the Move
Despite the apparent reduction in revenue, Dana White is not fazed by the transition. He revealed that he is currently in negotiations with two additional potential sponsors, which, if finalized, would bring the total "rights deal" for Power Slap up to $35 million per year. This is a notable increase from the current VeChain sponsorship, and it reflects White’s strategic approach to building and monetizing his new venture. Moreover, the potential payouts from YouTube streams, which boasts over a billion active users per month, could further bolster the financial prospects of Power Slap. White’s decision to maintain full control over the company’s linear and digital rights, as well as sponsorships, is a calculated move that allows him to steer the promotion’s growth in a direction that aligns with his vision. As he told Forbes, “You know who I like to bet on? Me. [At Power Slap], we own everything, and we control everything. We are basically creating our own destiny.”
Expanding the Global Footprint
White’s ambitions for Power Slap extend far beyond the boundaries of the United States. The promotion recently debuted in Saudi Arabia, where it secured three more events in 2025 and two in 2026, each with a $15 million site fee. This represents a significant investment in the international growth of the sport. White has similar deals in place in Abu Dhabi and Qatar, and he plans to expand into Brazil and South Africa in the near future. These international partnerships not only provide substantial financial support but also help to build a global audience and legitimize slapfighting as a recognized sport. White’s strategy of leveraging international markets is a familiar one from his UFO days, where he successfully expanded the UFC’s reach and influence worldwide.
Domestic Expansion and Regulatory Challenges
In the United States, White is also making strides to expand Power Slap’s reach. UFC Chief Business Officer Hunter Campbell, who is a minority investor in Power Slap, has revealed that more states are sanctioning slapfighting. Missouri and New Jersey are among the most likely to follow suit, which would open up new markets for Power Slap to tap into. These regulatory advancements are crucial for the promotion’s domestic growth, as they provide a legal framework for the sport to thrive. White’s commitment to building Power Slap into a major force in slapfighting is evident in his relentless pursuit of legislative changes and new partnerships. His approach is both aggressive and strategic, ensuring that Power Slap remains at the forefront of this emerging sport.
Paige VanZant’s Return: A Catalyst for Growth
Paige VanZant’s return to action on Friday is a significant event for Power Slap, as she is one of the most recognizable faces in combat sports. Her star power and widespread appeal can attract a large audience, creating viral moments that are crucial for the promotion’s growth. The most recent Power Slap event on Rumble drew 4.3 million viewers, highlighting the potential for viral content to drive viewership and engagement. VanZant’s presence can also help to legitimize the sport, drawing in new fans and solidifying its place in the combat sports world. White’s decision to feature VanZant in the first YouTube event is a strategic move to capitalize on her popularity and create a strong initial impact.
Ambitions and Control: White’s Vision for Power Slap
Dana White’s ultimate goal is to elevate Power Slap to the same heights as the UFC, a goal that many might find ambitious given the UFC’s recent move to secure more than $1 billion per year from potential broadcast partners. However, White’s track record of success and his deep understanding of the combat sports industry make his vision credible. He is committed to maintaining control over Power Slap, ensuring that it can evolve and grow according to his plans without external interference. White’s assertive statement, “I don’t like to have to answer to anybody,” underscores his desire to build the promotion on his own terms. This autonomy allows him to make bold decisions and pivot quickly in response to market changes, which are essential qualities for a leader in a rapidly evolving industry. As Power Slap continues to gain momentum, both domestically and internationally, White’s unwavering focus and control will be key factors in its success.
